Qualifications
To be considered for surgery, please complete the following bariatric surgery questionnaire or online bariatric surgery questionnaire.
If you would prefer to have one mailed to you, that can be arranged via email or telephone. Email [email protected] and please provide your full name, mailing address, date of birth, and telephone number, or request one over the phone by calling our clinic directly at 319-356-4060.
You are a candidate for bariatric surgery if you have a BMI greater than or equal to 35 with one or more significant obesity-related conditions including, but not limited to:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Sleep apnea
- Obesity hypoventilation syndrome
- High cholesterol
- Pseudotumor cerebri
Other possible indications for patients with BMIs greater than or equal to 40 include:
- Obesity-induced physical problems interfering with lifestyle (back or joint pain)
- Have a BMI greater than 40 regardless of the presence of other medical condition
- Are at least 18 years old
- Have failed multiple attempts with supervised dietary, behavioral and medical therapy
- Understand and accept the operative risks
- Have realistic expectations and are motivated
- Are capable of understanding the procedure and its implications
- Have a lifelong commitment to lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up care
Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. Severe obesity, sometimes known as morbid obesity, is defined according to the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company height and weight tables as being 100 pounds or 100 percent above ideal body weight. According to the National Institutes of Health, an increase in 20 percent or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk.
Today 97 million Americans, more than one-third of the adult population, are overweight or obese. An estimated five to ten million of those are considered morbidly obese. According to the New National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute obesity guidelines, Body Mass Index (BMI) is currently the best assessment of a person’s obesity since it is simple to use, accurate in determining the degree of obesity, takes both height and weight into consideration and applies to both men and women.
BMI is used extensively in managing surgical weight reduction.
What does it mean?
- A BMI from 18.5 through 24.9 indicates a healthy weight
- A BMI from 25.0 through 29.9 indicates an overweight condition
- A BMI from 30 through 39.9 indicates moderate obesity
- A BMI of 40 or above indicates severe obesity